The case could be argued that for years, auto makers have been creating products that they knew were dangerous, simply because people liked the way they looked. Specifically, I’m referring to sport utility vehicles. These vehicles tend to roll over in the right circumstances, causing great damage and injury to passengers. Research has shown that these vehicles can be made much safer and less prone to tipping by only making slight changes to their design, which is what the manufacturers are beginning to do.

A design change is considered successful if it results in a reduction in fatalities by 5 - 10%. A recent initiative to lower SUVs slightly and install hollow impact-absorbing bars below the bumpers is being credited for a nearly 50% decline in injuries resulting from side impact or head-on collisions. A 50% improvement is considered a phenomenal success.

In 2003, an agreement was made by 15 major automakers that by 2009, light trucks and SUVs would be built lower or use an energy-absorbing beam. It was also agreed that the vehicles would all feature side air bags. That’s great for those purchasing new vehicles in 2009 and beyond, but what about consumers who already own an older SUV?

To this point, there is no plan in place to make older SUVs safer. Today, the roads are still filled with older SUVs that are not as safe as those manufactured according to the newest safety guidelines. If you own such a vehicle, you would do yourself a favor by trading it in on a newer and safer SUV.

Most rollovers occur when the SUV is no longer on the road. This relates to the vehicles’ high center of gravity, discussed above, which greatly increases its chances of rolling over on uneven surfaces. Intuitively, you might think because of their larger wheels and bigger size, SUVs might actually be safer when losing control and going off the road, but it just doesn’t work that way.

There is no good reason for the extra height of many sport utility vehicles. It’s simple a fashion statement. Today, the auto industry is backing away from designing vehicles that are dangerous just to make them aesthetically pleasing.

The fact that SUVs have become the de-facto family vehicle also contributes to the poor safety record. In concept, an SUV is a vehicle that can carry a heavy load of people and equipment while traversing a rocky terrain. However, this type of vehicle is meant to be equipped with roll bars. Since SUVs are now primarily family vehicles, there are usually no roll bars. So what you end up with is a vehicle with narrow width, heavy weight and high center of gravity, but no roll bars to protect the passengers - a very bad combination.

One thing to look for in an SUV is a high rollover resistance rating, which is an estimate of a vehicle’s risk of rollover. However, even SUVs with top-rated rollover resistance have a greater chance of flipping than other types of vehicles.

If you drive an SUV, you need to drive with extra caution. If your SUV is more than a few years old and you have the financial capability, upgrade to a newer model. Finally, when shopping for a new SUV, look for one that sits lower to the ground and that has a high rollover resistance rating. For more articles like this bookmark www.SUVAccident.info

Author: Jerry L Work

SUV Accidents can be absolutely devastating to all involved, and rollover accidents still occur.  During a rainy day here in So Cal, I watched in horror as an SUV ahead of me hydroplane, become out of control and rollover several times into side of the road.  As many of us pulled over to call 911 and extend any assistance we could, it was obvious from the windshield and the fact that there was little movement inside the SUV that it was not good for the driver and any passengers.  SUV accidents can be avoided, if the buyer and the driver educates themselves on safety and how to best drive and upkeep their SUV.

Every consumer must know about the updates concerning the products and merchandise he or she is purchasing or intending to purchase.  In the case of deciding what car to purchase or own, safety is the most important concern. It is in this context that you must remember not to be drawn into false assumptions with regards to purchasing the type of car you intend to purchase.

When you are planning to own a car, keep in mind that you have to deal with real and proven data. Do not be drawn with assumptions and general popularity, demand or appeal.  Thus, you must know that planning to own or buy an SUV or sport utility vehicle could be a riskier investment due to the ongoing issue with SUV rollovers.

The auto industry in the country is quite sure and has been proven correct concerning SUVs as a risky type of vehicle. The SUV is a kind of automobile that has been notoriously known in the industry as to become involved in a rollover accident, too easily.

While there has been crash and rollover tests conducted that somehow prove this claim, it must be remembered that SUV rollovers commonly does not happen just because of defective manufacture or design. Most car rollover accidents are also attributed to the dangerous conditions and irresponsible actions of the drivers.

More than other cars, SUV rollovers occur because this type of car is essentially top heavy.

Now, not buying an SUV does not mean that you have already prevented yourself from being involved in a rollover accident. Moreover, driving an SUV only means that you just have to be extra careful not to become involved in a rollover accident.

Here are several tips to save you from the inconvenience, danger and injuries of becoming involved in a car rollover accident.

-Choose a smart SUV. Find out which among the line, type and brand of SUVs is risk-free. It is a given that before making major decisions in life, you first have to research, study and compare.

Here are the things you need to research before deciding on an SUV:

-rollover ratings

-consumer reports

-consumer guides

-Once you have chosen the SUV, the next thing to remember when driving it “like an SUV.” If you have been used to other types of motor vehicle, do not attempt to drive away quickly as soon as you had your SUV ready.

Training and getting advice from those who are used to SUV, driving is needed before attempting to take yours on the road. Those experienced would probably tell you that when you are on a SUV, you could not take on curves as swiftly. Rollover is very likely once you attempt to do this.

Feel up your SUVs brakes, steering, acceleration and other vital gears for a few days before you speed it down on the highways.

-As with driving any other vehicle, remember to drive safely when dealing with an SUV. Rollovers usually happen when your SUV goes off unto the main roads.

-As much as possible avoid doing other things that would distract you from driving.

-Always drive based on what has been prescribed or declared safe according to the weather conditions. Do not attempt to ride your SUV too much on unsafe roads with lots of potholes. They may become the reason for your vehicle to come off balance and cause a rollover.

Bottom line is that whatever vehicles you drive in remember the risks and the tips given to avoid any kind of accident, and save your life and others, as well.

Author: Carla C. Ballatan

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Carla_C._Ballatan

An SUV Accident can be a incredibly dangerous situation for driver and passengers, as well as other vehicles involved.   SUVs are prone to rollovers, and if you have been invovled in an SUV accident the best bet is to ensure that you, and anyone else involved in the accident, have sought appropriate medical attention.  Furthermore, you may need to contact an attorney with experience in SUV accidents for consultation or possible legal representation. 

SUV rollovers are notoriously dangerous. Thousands of motor vehicles are involved in rollovers every single year, and the unfortunately thing about that is not only are many of these accidents preventable, but also that once people get into accidents, they have absolutely no idea what to do. If you own an SUV it is important to learn about rollovers so that you can avoid them and, God forbid your SUV does rollover, you know what to do.

SUV rollovers occur because Sport Utility Vehicles have a high center of gravity. Think of a car like a typical Christmas tree and an SUV as an upside down Christmas tree. You’ll have to push a lot harder to get the first tree to topple over! To find the safest SUV available, you want to look for an SUV with a larger distance between the back tires and a heavier bottom when compared to the top.

However, the best step to preventing an SUV rollover is to use common sense. Car manufacturers now make electronic systems that can monitor your vehicle’s stability and correct problems, but nothing can serve in the place of your good sense. Most SUV roller accidents happen when you accidentally run off the road and your SUV hits a ditch or some kind of obstacle. Therefore, if you pay attention to your driving and slow your speeds, you should be able to prevent most rollovers from ever happening in the first place.

That said, there are certain steps you should take if you are involved in an SUV rollover. Taking these steps can truly help you medically, financially, and legally so that you can make sure you are treated in the best way possible. Because accidents are so frightening, it may be difficult to stay calm and do what you need to do, but if you know the steps beforehand, you have a better chance of not forgetting crucial actions that you need to take.

First and more most, take care of yourself medically. If you are hurt and in no immediate danger, stay put and wait for paramedics to arrive. In some cases, the best thing you can do is to quickly and safely exit the vehicle. If your SUV is still running, turn it off, and if you are upside down, carefully release your seatbelt and crawl out of the door or window. This is especially crucial if you smell gas, because explosions and fire are a main concern.

Call the police. Even if the accident was your fault, and even if you have no insurance coverage, don’t try to hide SUV rollovers or any other accidents. If your vehicle rolled over, chance are that someone has already called the police, but it is very important to do so if this hasn’t happened. Think about what happened and always tell the truth. Cooperation is key, and make sure that you are very detailed about the accident so that everything goes into the police report.

Before you leave the scene of the accident, talk to the eyewitnesses, and make sure that they talk to the police officer as well. If possible, take down names and numbers. This kind of information may be paramount to an investigation later. After you’ve left, call your doctor to set up an appointment, just in case you have any internal injuries, and notify your insurance company about the SUV rollover. Again, your full cooperation will help you in the long run. Report the accident it’s the law.

If you have been injured or if there was another car involved, your final step is to seek legal advice. When SUV rollovers happen, you may be entitled to a settlement. If you were injured in the rollover, it may have been due to a fault in the manufacturing of the vehicle. If another car was involved, the entire accident may not be your fault.

Every single SUV rollover case is different. Seeking legal advice in this situation is important because you may not realize that you are not completely at fault. Even if you are, you have nothing to lose by talking to a lawyer, since most are happy to briefly review your case for free. Protecting yourself legally when involved with SUV rollovers can help you get the money you need to care for medical injuries and fix your SUV.

Of course, when the case is closed, remember to take extra precautions in the future so that you are not involved with another SUV rollover accident. It can happen to anyone, but if you drive safely, it has less of a chance of happening to you.

Author: Tim Dillard

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tim_Dillard